| Page Created |
| January 19th, 2024 |
| Last Updated |
| January 19th, 2024 |
| Great Britain |
 |
| Special Forces |
| GHQ Liaison Regiment |
| May 10th 1940 – May 31st 1940 |
| Reconnaissance Missions German Invasion |
| Objectives |
- Reconnaissance for and Liaison with the Belgium and French Army.
| Operational Area |
Belgium and France
| Unit Force |
- No. 3 British Air Mission
- Phantom
- Mission Headquarters
- Reconnaissance Squadron
- Two Armoured Car Troops
- Motorcycle platoon
- Intelligence Section
- Wireless Section
| Opposing Forces |
- German wehrmacht
| Operation |
| May 7th 1940 |
A German invasion of the Low Countries seems imminent. “Phantom” is warned for a German attack.
| May 10th 1940 |
The War Diary of “Phantom” notes the start of the mission. No. 3 Air Mission and the “Phantom” leave Valenciennes by 10:00 and enter Belgium. The Air Mission heads to the Belgian Grand Quartier General (G.Q.G.) at Willebroeck, while the “Phantom” sets up its Advanced Report Centre at Mielen-sur-Aelst.
Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkinson dispatches liaison officers and patrols to various strategic locations. Reports start flowing into the Advanced Report Centre, detailing key military movements and actions.
| May 11th 1940 |
Throughout the day, “Phantom” reports enemy advances and Belgian withdrawals, demonstrating the effectiveness of their training.
| May 12th 1940 |
“Phantom” continous to report on the German enemy advances and positions as well as the Belgian withdrawals. By the end of the day, the Mission relocates to the Forest des Soignes, south of Brussels.
“Phantom” establishes liaison with the French advanced elements and contacts the leading British cavalry. With the British and French Armies consolidating the Dyle position, normal liaison and communication channels are now operational, concluding a successful phase for “Phantom”.
The next challenge for “Phantom” is to compete against other information sources and communication channels. “Phantom” continues to send information to Allied Central Air Bureau (A.C.A.B.) about the battlefronts. General Headquarters, British Expeditionary Forces, also starts receiving steady information flows.
The “Phantom” becomes increasingly vital in protective and reconnaissance roles as the situation worsens.
| 18th May 1940 |
Lieutenant-Colonel Hopkinson offers the Mission’s services to “Macforce”, and the Squadron conducts patrols under its orders. The Intelligence Section maintains liaison work with British and Allied formations.
| 23rd May 1940 |
The Mission moves to General Headquarters reserve at Premesques and continues its liaison work.
As the Battle of the Beaches looms, Wing Commander Fairweather recommends the withdrawal of the Intelligence Section. In this proces, the unit is tasked with a variety of operations, including searching for missing units in the Calais area, escorting the Commander-in-Chief, Viscount Gort, and aiding in the defense of Wormhoudt, Belgium.
During the retreat, they assist the 4th Division and cover the withdrawal of the 144th Infantry Brigade. In preparation for evacuation, the “Phantom” personnel destroy their vehicles and equipment to prevent them from falling into enemy hands. The unit then splits for evacuation: one part, led by Fairweather, moves from Brugge, Belgium, to Oostende, a harbour port in Belgium, to evacuate. Another part, under Hopkinson, heads towards De Panne, Belgium for evacuation.
| 28th, May 1940 |
In Oostende, the unit boards two ships for evacuation. No. 3 Air Mission embarks on the merchant ship Aboukir, while the rest of the unit boards the Marquis. As the ships depart the harbor, they come under attack by a German E-Boat. Tragically, the Aboukir is struck by a torpedo and sinks rapidly, resulting in the loss of ten officers and twenty-two other ranks from the Air Mission.
The loss of life and talent with the sinking of the Aboukir is immeasurable. Among the casualties is Wing Commander Fairweather. He is respected by both Army and Royal air Force, and commemorated as an exceptional leader. His command and understanding in military and air strategy are highly regarded, and his presence greatly influenced the success of the Mission.
| May 31st 1940 |
Hopkinson’s part of “Phantom” departs for England From La Panne, Belgium and heads for Great Britain.
| Multimedia |